How To Wire A Third Brake Light On A Trailer

Updated 03/23/2011 | Published 03/21/2011

Products Featured in This Question

Optronics Streamline LED Trailer Tail Light - Submersible - 3 Function - 11 Diodes - Red Lens

(365)

$19.32

2-to-3 Tail Light Converter for Towed Vehicles w/ Incandescent Tail Lights

(173)

$40.96

Question:

Can the STL79RB be wired as a third brake light? Id like to mount just one of these, horizontally, up high above the rear doors of my trailer to provide visibility when braking.

asked by: David B

Expert Reply:

To get a third brake light on your trailer I would recommend the Optronics Sealed, Streamline LED Trailer Third Brake Light, 1-Function, part # STL80RB. This can be wired to your trailer using the Tow Ready Vehicle to Vehicle Taillight Converter, part # 118158.

To install the tail light converter # 118158 on your trailer you will connect the wires on the input side of the converter, white (ground) to the trailer frame, green wire to green wire on your trailers wiring, and yellow wire to yellow wire on the trailer wiring. On the output side of the converter you will connect the red wire to the red wire on the Optronics third brake light and the remaining green and yellow will NOT need to be connected. Just tape up the ends of the wires separately so they do not ground out to the trailer frame or touch each other.

This will give you a third brake light on your trailer when your vehicle is plugged into the trailer.

I am including a link to a FAQ page on trailer wiring.

expert reply by: Jeff D